Posts by Hillcrest Staff

If you’ve ever tried to wake up a teenager before noon on the weekend, you’re not alone—and you’ve probably wondered: Why do teenagers sleep so much? Is it laziness, defiance, or something deeper? It turns out, there’s a very real biological and psychological reason behind teens’ sleep habits. During adolescence, the body and brain go…

It’s every parent’s nightmare—waking up or coming home to find that your teenager is gone. For many families, this scenario is not just a bad dream; it’s a frightening reality. Each year, an estimated 1 in 7 teens runs away or becomes homeless at some point, according to national statistics. While it’s easy to assume…

Teenagers experience a whirlwind of changes—physically, emotionally, socially. From pressure at school to peer relationships and family expectations, it’s no surprise that adolescence can be a rocky road. But while some emotional ups and downs are completely normal, persistent sadness, loss of interest, or changes in behavior could signal something deeper: teen depression. As a…

Summer break represents a significant transition for teenagers – three months of freedom from the structured school environment that can either become a period of growth and discovery or a time of aimlessness and regression. As a parent, you hold the key to helping your teen make the most of these precious months while maintaining…

If your teen or young adult is struggling to step into adulthood—avoiding responsibilities, staying isolated, or showing no drive to move forward—you’re not alone. More and more parents are asking, “What is Failure to Launch Syndrome, and how do I help my child overcome it?” Failure to Launch Syndrome (FTL) isn’t an official clinical diagnosis,…

Today’s teenagers are facing unprecedented challenges. Recent studies show that a staggering 50 percent of high schoolers report feeling helpless, believing they “can’t do anything” to improve their situations. This statistic reflects the immense pressure and emotional strain many adolescents experience throughout the academic year. As a result, many parents are actively seeking positive summer…

As the school year concludes, many teens  anticipate a break from academic responsibilities. However, this period of unstructured time can lead to the “summer slide,” a phenomenon where students experience a decline in academic skills and, in some cases, mental health. At Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center, we recognize the importance of addressing both aspects to…